A weak high [1019 hPa] over the southern Coral Sea is expected to move slowly eastwards, maintaining a weak ridge onto the tropical east coast of Queensland. A surface trough of low pressure lies to the west of the area. This trough is expected to cross the coast early tomorrow morning.

Observations:

At 0600hr the surface wind at Hamilton Island was 270 deg at 3kn, gusting 4kn (temp 20C, pressure 1017hPa). At Hardy Reef (further offshore at 19.7S 149.2E) the wind was 090deg at 3kn.

Note: The wind in the Whitsunday Passage is expected to commence as340-360deg at 2-6kt (ave) this morning before slowly shifting right to be 360-040deg at 6-10kn (ave) by mid-afternoon.

Key: First column is mean wind direction in deg Magnetic (MD). It is the 10min average (mean) value at a height of 10m above the water leading up to the hour quoted. The second column is the directional range (DR) of the wind direction in deg Mag. This takes into account the natural oscillation of the wind and is a function of the atmospheric stability, etc. The third column is the mean speed (MS) in knots (kn) and is the average 10min value leading up to the hour quoted at a height of 10m above the water. The last column is the wind speed range (SR) in knots and is the lowest wind speed to highest wind speed in the 10min leading up to forecast hour.

Discussion:
All models are pointing towards light synoptic NW to NE winds first up this morning tending to a pure sea breeze this afternoon.

The forecast gradient wind (wind at 900 metres) is expected to be 340-360deg at 10-15kn This scenario normally favours a sea breeze situation.

If the gradient wind increases to 15 to 20kn, then the sea breeze potential will drop to zero and a 320-340deg at 8-15kn will prevail over the race area? There is a 55% chance of this occurring?

There is also a 30% chance that the surface trough pushes east over the race area today. This would see the surface wind commence as 320-340deg at 6-12kn (ave) shifting to 260-220deg at 8-14kn (ave) then easing and shifting 140-090deg at 5-10kn (ave) behind the trough.

Wind direction and speed is expected to become more variable than forecast above over most parts of the race course due to changing topographical profiles i.e. wind speed enhancement (+3kn or so) due to funneling out of bays, some speed enhancement and wind directional changes around headlands and in passages. Lighter and more variable winds in the lee of islands, etc

Weather:
Early low cloud or fog clearing to a mostly sunny day. Slight chance of a late afternoon or evening shower.
Maximum land temperature at Hamilton Island: 25 degrees.
Sea Temperature: about 21-22 degrees.

Current: A strong ebb this morning followed by slack water and then a strong flood developing late this afternoon/evening. Be extremely careful in channels, etc.
Remember: In general tidal currents flood to the south and ebb to the north in the Whitsundays. There are many localized variations however so be very vigilant.

Tide at Shute Harbour: High of 2.95 at 0910hr, Low 0.11m at 1458hr and High 4.00m at 2140hr.

Outlook: Tuesday: S to SE at 8 to 16 kn (ave).

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